Caldo galego facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Caldo; Galician broth |
|---|---|
| Type | Soup |
| Place of origin | Galicia (Spain) |
| Created by | Traditional |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Cabbage or other greens, potatoes, white beans, fatty pork |
Caldo galego, often just called caldo, is a traditional and delicious soup from Galicia, a region in northwest Spain. In Spanish, it's known as caldo gallego. This warm and hearty soup is a very important part of Galician food. It's quite similar to caldo verde, a traditional soup from nearby Portugal.
What's in Caldo Galego?
This special soup is made with several key ingredients. It always includes green leafy vegetables like repolo (cabbage), verzas (collard greens), grelos (which are a type of turnip greens), or navizas (sweet turnip greens).
Other main ingredients are:
- Potatoes
- White beans
- Unto (which is a type of lard, or pork fat)
Sometimes, extra ingredients are added to make the soup even richer. These can include fatty pork, chorizo (a type of sausage), ham, or bacon. These meat additions are sometimes called compango.
How is it Served?
Caldo galego is always served hot. It's often eaten as the first course of a meal, especially for xantar (lunch). Sometimes, people also enjoy it for dinner.
Traditionally, this soup was served in special earthen bowls called cuncas. These bowls help keep the soup warm and add to the traditional experience of eating it.
Different Kinds of Caldo
Depending on what ingredients are available during different seasons, there are a few variations of Caldo galego:
- Caldo branco: This version includes chickpeas along with beans.
- Caldo de castañas: This unique variation uses chestnuts, giving the soup a different flavor.
See also
In Spanish: Caldo gallego para niños
